added two slideshows
A Modern Maid Marian »
This series falls somewhere between a portraiture and a modeling session, with kind of a loose adherence to the theme. It is a good example of how I like to approach portraiture.
The Michigan Militia’s Tax Blast Tea Party »
This is the beginning of an essay that documents the Tea Party movement. It takes a look at folks who normally aren’t that politically motivated, as they work on their protesting chops and find their voice. I shot this series back in April, seeking the the most inflammatory Tea Party I could find… it turned out to be just a pleasant day on the range.
The Tea Party essay will be an ongoing study as long as there is wasteful government spending, over taxation, and folks there to protest it. Essentially it’s a life long American project.
Here’s the original text from my posting back in April:
I’m continuing my Americana theme this summer with a look at Tea Parties and taxes. The logical place to start was at the Michigan Militia’s Field Day, which had a tea party thrown in for good measure. I hit the road early on April 11th, and made my way out to a farm in rural Michigan, to pop off a few rounds as well as a few photographs.
I’d like to deliver my impressions while quelling common misconceptions of groups connected to the Michigan Militia. First of all, this is not a hate group. This is a gathering of the working class that does not discriminate on race, religion, or political affiliation. I do suspect, however, that you’d get a good argument if you’re an illegal alien, or have something negative to say about the Constitution.
Regarding the Constitution, I would advise that if your purpose is to defend it, you should at least know the Bill of Rights without hesitation.
This is not a fear group, but one that has much concern with respect to the Second Amendment and the current political climate. As a matter of fact, I see more paranoia on the outside about a militia group like this, then the stereotypical paranoia you might expect within the ranks. I didn’t even pick up on direct fear of our government, though the rumblings of infringements on gun rights and the current run on ammo might indicate otherwise. This is more a group of Second Amendment proponents and survivalists, who consider themselves in the mix as a line of defense against foreign invasion, or man-made or natural disaster. They are law-abiding families that love the outdoors, and would prefer jobs over anything perceived as a handout from the government.
This is going to be another fun summer of photography.
July 14th, 2009 | 2 Comments »
David,
The “Marian” essay is not only beautiful, but striking! The eye contact, or presence I could feel from your subject was intimate and genuine- well done! I really enjoyed this portrait piece.
Cheers, Jeremy
Thanks Jeremy,
I intended to continue a wooded theme with models but just couldn’t fund it at the time. Maybe some fashion catalog will pick me up sometime, who knows?